Local Attractions

Dorset pairs coastal scenery with English wine rather well. Within easy reach of Dorchester, Sherborne, Poole and the Jurassic Coast, you’ll find small, family-run vineyards alongside a handful of more established estates, each offering their own take on a vineyard tour.

The home of the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast, Dorset is renowned for its captivating past. With towering cliffs unveiling 185 million years of history, verdant valleys shaped by the Ice Age, and a picturesque scattering of ancient market towns and villages, it truly treads the line between past and present and offers something to uncover at every turn. For history lovers, there are few places more enticing. Curating the finest exhibitions, a superb collection of Dorset museums awaits to reveal intriguing insights into the county’s rich heritage. From Dorset’s leading heritage attractions to villages lost in time, here are some of the best places to visit near our beautiful Priory Hotel in Wareham.

Purbeck Film Festival celebrates cinema across Dorset with a warmly curated programme of independent, international and rarely seen films, shown in characterful venues from village halls and historic theatres to outdoor spaces under the stars. Marking its 30th anniversary in 2026, the festival brings together special screenings, previews, introductions, guest appearances and a strong community spirit, creating a cinematic experience that feels thoughtful, atmospheric and distinctly local.

A delicious combination of silky soft sand, dramatic limestone cliffs and idyllic Jurassic Coast coves makes a delightfully varied coastline. Whatever your perfect day at the beach looks like, Dorset has something special to offer.

If you’re dreaming of an English escape this spring, look no further than the Isle of Purbeck—a pocket of Dorset where wild coastline, ancient ruins and unspoilt villages come together in one breathtaking corner of the South West. Tucked along the banks of the River Frome in Wareham, The Priory Hotel offers the perfect base to explore this landscape of sea air, countryside calm and timeless charm.

Immerse yourself in the ultimate relaxation experience with a soothing seaweed bath on stunning Studland Beach with Sae Seaweed. This luxurious treatment helps alleviate aches and pains, boosts circulation, and detoxifies your body, leaving your skin and hair soft, nourished, and rejuvenated.

Play 18 holes of golf on the quintessential heathland course that is Broadstone Golf Club. The course is laid out on glorious rolling terrain. The elevated homeward nine provides panoramic views of the Purbeck Hills and Poole Harbour.

Nestled between the gentle curves of the Frome and Piddle rivers, Wareham is a town steeped in history, its Saxon walls, and picturesque quay whispering tales of centuries past. The Two Rivers Walk is an ideal way to experience this charming landscape—a flat, easy route that meanders through water meadows, alongside tranquil riverbanks, and past glimpses of Wareham’s storied past.

Whether you are a seasoned clay enthusiast, a regular game shooter, or looking to try something new. Why not try this popular country pursuit in the heart of Hardy’s Wessex, the shooting site occupies some 80 acres and is known as one of the most picturesque sites in the country and has been voted shooting ground of the year. 

Purbeck Safari is a local family-run tour business, offering a really unique way of exploring the Isle of Purbeck and discovering the beauty, magic and wildlife of this amazing part of Dorset. Join them for a unique experience, as they take you on safari to explore the stunning Purbeck Hills, harbour shores and rare lowland heaths in their iconic Land Rover Defender 4 x 4. Purbeck Safari can pick you up and drop you off at the Priory.